Overview & Reviews

When the original Honda CR-V debuted in the late 1990s, its mission was simple: to offer a distinct alternative to more mainstream mid- and full-size large SUVs. With its car-based design, economical four-cylinder engine and sedanlike ride and handling, the CR-V was an instant hit. Priced competitively and offering plenty of passenger room and cargo capacity for most people's needs, the Honda CR-V has long enjoyed strong sales numbers and much loyalty from consumers.

Today, the compact- or small-SUV segment has grown to include more than a dozen different models, with varying philosophies of what constitutes the perfect blend of size, power and capability. While some models offer more powerful upgrade engines and others can deliver true off-road capability, the Honda CR-V remains focused on its more practical aspirations. True to form, it is one of the best choices available in the all-important areas of being both easy to drive and family-friendly.

Current Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is offered in familiar LX, EX and EX-L trim levels. Even the LX comes pretty well equipped, while the EX and EX-L get additional convenience and luxury features. The EX-L is also eligible for either a navigation system or a rear-seat entertainment system. You can't get the navigation and the DVD systems together, however.

Powering all CR-Vs is a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that's good for 185 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed transmission. On all models, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.

The newest Honda CR-V's list of merits is a long one. Its interior is intelligently thought out and boasts strong fit and finish. Its ride is more comfortable and quieter than before, and handling and steering remain high points. Its major shortcoming concerns passing power in certain circumstances. We've found the CR-V's acceleration peppy enough around town, but somewhat sluggish during merging and passing maneuvers on gradients. However, as long as your beaten path doesn't include many steep roads or overly heavy loads, the Honda CR-V should provide all the room, refinement and performance you will ever need.

Used Honda CR-Vs
The current, fourth-generation CR-V was redesigned for 2012. Changes were of the more evolutionary sort, as its size, basic interior packaging and engine were similar to the previous model. Key alterations included a quieter and more comfortable ride, additional features and a backseat that flipped down from levers in the trunk.

The third generation of the Honda CR-V was produced from 2007-'11. Compared to the previous-generation CR-V, this one had few key improvements, including a new liftgate (instead of the previous side-mounted door with an outside-mounted spare tire), improved handling and steering, and the option for a navigation system for the first time.

Trim levels included the traditional LX and EX, plus the EX-L -- the L signifying leather upholstery (along with heated front seats). CR-Vs from 2007-'09 made 166 hp versus 180 hp for the following two years. A five-speed automatic transmission was standard across the board, and all trims could be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Those looking for maximum luxury in a CR-V should know that the EX-L gained a power driver seat, automatic climate control and a premium stereo for 2008. An SE trim level, which slotted between the traditional LX and EX trims, was made for just the final year of this generation.

In reviews, we've found this CR-V to be a very well-rounded model. High points included a comfortable and sensible interior, top crash test scores and agile handling. Elevated amounts of road noise might be a problem for some shoppers, as would be the engine's modest power, but overall this CR-V should be a great choice for a used small crossover SUV.

Produced from 2002-'06, the second-generation CR-V boasted a number of improvements compared to the original CR-V, including more power, more interior room and improved passenger protection. It was available in base LX or uplevel EX trim. The EX had more features, as well as standard antilock brakes and side airbags for the entire run (the LX didn't get them as standard until 2005), so picking an EX might be a wise idea. Notably, stability control and side and side curtain airbags became standard across the lineup in '05. The Special Edition model, available only in 2005 and '06, included exterior styling tweaks, a hard spare tire cover and heated leather seats and mirrors.

Power came from a 2.4-liter four cylinder rated at 160 hp, though this number dropped to 156 hp in 2006 due to a revised rating procedure. The LX had standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, while the EX was AWD-only until 2006, when a FWD version was also made available. Both LX and EX initially came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, but from 2005 onward the manual was limited to the EX. The other transmission, an automatic, had four speeds until 2005, when it was upgraded to five.

In reviews, our editors lauded the second-generation CR-V's comfortable ride and refined powertrains, though the significant road noise at speed was deemed regrettable. Some of us found the four-cylinder a bit meek, but its smooth power delivery and reasonable efficiency were mentioned as admirable traits. All in all, the second-generation CR-V was roundly praised when new and remains a solid choice on the used-car market.

The original first-generation Honda CR-V compact SUV was produced from 1997-2001. It was priced competitively and offered more passenger room and cargo capacity than its peers. A manual transmission was added in 1998, and a welcome 20-hp boost the following year gave it a new output of 146 hp. In 2000, a leather-trimmed SE (Special Edition) model was added to lead the model lineup.

User Reviews:

• 

  Worst riding new car we have ever bought!!!!!!!!!! - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Ronald Lee - August 25 - 9:56 pm

  We bought this 2014 Honda CR-V ELX new from Howdy Honda and have had problems since we purchased it. The radio is useless because you cannot hear it for the road noise. Brakes are bumpy when applied with an uneven brake, release, brake motion. There is a noise that increases and decreases with speed (sounds almost like a belt in one of the tires has shifted or a bad wheel bearing). The actuators on the back hatch door are bad and will be replaced. The pneumatic tire pressure indicator is always coming on. Steering is too quick ( There is no comparison between a CR-V and an Accord with the Accord being far superior. There are other makes that offer more options for around the same cost. Rough riding vehicle. We tried to tell Howdy Honda we were having problems with this car and they would drive it and say there is nothing wrong with it. Finally at my request a service manager (AND MYSELF) took the car for a test drive (he drove it) and he admitted it had problems. Bear in mind your complaints are (concerns at Howdy Honda). I also asked him how about driving a new CR-V to compare rides (mine has had these problems since the first time I took the car in for an oil change) and the service manager quickly stated it wouldnt be a good idea as the technology has changed from 2014 to 2015 (can you believe that). Honda has become a company that makes excuses for its flaws instead of standing behind them and doing what is right. On the defective hatch actuators (support arms) a service person tried to tell me I would have to duplicate the problem (the hatch has become locked in the open position twice and I thought I was going to break it if I applied more force in trying to close it). I felt like telling this individual he was an idiot and he really made me angry at doubting my integrity. I told him what was I or my wife supposed to do----drive the fifty miles to the dealership with the hatch stuck up in the air!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This CR-V ELX may have 26,000 miles on it but the problems listed have existed since we purchased it and complained during the time of the first oil change. Ronald Lee

• 

  Please read this review before you buy this car. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Heather - August 25 - 8:59 pm

  I bought my CRV in May after doing a lot of research. Unfortunately, I did not come across the information regarding the CRV vibrating when the car is idle. Not only do I experience this issue with my car, but the vibration is actually getting worse, and it is very uncomfortable. Additionally, my brand new car also has a very loud rattle in the dashboard area. I will be bringing my car into the local Honda dealership to see how these problems can be resolved. Even if these issues are resolved, I predict that I will never buy another Honda vehicle. In summary, dont let the attractive aspects of this car (safety features, overall design) fool you, because the problems that go along with this car are not worth the price.

• 

  My Awesome Experience!!! :) - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Lani Trinidad - August 22 - 7:44 pm

  Exceptional Reliability, Durability, and Cost.

• 

  Another Great Honda - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Tim Pasio - August 22 - 7:42 am

  We love our new CRV, We havent experienced any vibrations at all with it. It has been absolutely perfect on long trips, and for my wifes daily commuter for work. Plenty of power, stable in the wind, build quality is spectacular, no squeaks, or rattles. Were getting 31 mpg on the highway (Got 36 on our trip to San Diego). The transmission shifts smoothly, and the seats are really comfortable, especially on my bad back. It is not the prettiest of the small SUVs, but compared to the others we drove, it was the roomiest. Negatives? The back seats could be more comfortable for adults, and the Bluetooth hookup, especially on my Samsung s5 is a pain. Other than that, we really love this car.

• 

  Worth the Wait - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Vickie - August 21 - 11:37 am

  I bought my new 2015 CR-V in June 2015. I was very skeptical about purchasing a CR-V after reading so many reviews about the vibration problem. I have not experienced any problems with the vibration, what I have experienced is the wonderful gas mileage with my eco boost, the quality of the CR-V & great storage room. I enjoy being able to see out so well. I owned an 03 Accord for almost 13 years when I traded in June. I got a great deal & no vibration problem.

• 

  carefully think to buy from honda - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By joe - August 21 - 12:16 am

  i bought the car 3 weeks , the fog lamp glass broken,,if the screen glass maybe easy broken when you driving on the highway,,so be carefully to think about buy this honda car

• 

  Terrible road noise - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Gary Benson - August 20 - 11:17 pm

  Terrible road noise above 40 mph. On rubberized asphalt noise is ok, but on normal roads its terrible. I have been a autobody tech. for 40 years, worked for Honda several times and have owned several used Honda cars. Honda has a Great reputation, but I wish I would have done a longer road test. I wont have bought it. Also gas mileage 26.8 city and 27.6 highway ?

• 

  Ok but sometime Vibrates - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By kyle zheng - August 20 - 3:43 pm

  I bought EXL trim about 2 weeks ago and i really saw vibration on my passenger seat (shaking) when i stopped in front of red light. Since then, i pay extra attention every time when i stop, i only can say it really happens sometimes, not all the time. One more thing i wanna mention is that the mileage for me only 15.2mpg all city drive. That was kinda disappointing. I hope after break in period it will gets better.

• 

  Strong Vibrations in Car - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Girish - August 19 - 5:30 pm

  My car is 1.5 months old, bought new from dealer. I noticed this vibration problem 3 days after I bought the car. I bought it back to dealer one time with no fix. I just dont know why some cars have no vibration issue or maybe they can live with this issue. But I cant.I thought Honda should not be selling this kind of car if they know there is problem. Also I have one more Problem in car when I start car from stop I feel vibration in car for few seconds, I showed to dealer. He told me that Honda knows about that they are working right now on that issue. I spent $30,000 for a brand new car that has problem in a month. If I know this kind of issue I never never bought Honda.

• 

  The best car ... in the world! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By dasagfx@gmail.com - August 17 - 8:08 pm

  Bought a 2000 CRV in 2011 with 198,000 miles on it. It was a good decision we have already put 60,000 miles on it with hardly any issues. Tire changes and oil changes. Biggest repair bill was a starter coil issue, cant remember how much it cost but it wasnt any financial difficulty and I replaced it myself. While they were figuring out what was wrong with my starter coil (this was at 227,000 miles) they discovered that one of the 4 cylinders was at 1/2 compression. Uh oh, time to get a new car? They said it would start overheating, I would get low gas mileage, etc. That was a year and 30,000 miles ago, it still gets 30 MPG in the summer (we trip-meter every gas tank, its pretty consistent). Never overheated, even going 80 MPG on the Montana highways, up mountains, etc. We drove to Missouri and back since hearing the bad news. A/C and heater still work, power windows, lights, everything. Only annoyances are the seatbelts not retracting after turning off (every vehicle Ive owned had this issue), road noise (spraying silicon lubricant on the old rubber weather seals around doors fixes it), and noise when making sharp left turns. Also, spare tire may explode if left in sun, best to make sure to keep a tire cover or park in garage. So heres whats up, get one of these. $4500 including repairs we paid for 60,000 miles of good gas mileage = 13 miles per $. Thats better than $16,000 for a small SUV that you put 200,000 miles on, and were still counting. Good in the snow, good in town, good in the highway. Small and easy to park anywhere, but seats 5 and storage.